At the Paris Motor Show last September, Mazda said that it would be focusing on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, with three new model introductions.
The lightweight Mazda2, which was voted World Car of the Year 2008, has received an upgrade.
The second was the new Mazda3 with an upgraded MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine. Mazda says it offers more power and torque (+12 per cent ), while lowering fuel consumption and emissions. It also has a new six speed manual transmission.
Requiring just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100km or 64mpg, and producing 117g/km of CO2, this Mazda3 diesel version is a sporty yet frugal compact.
And joining them was the all-new Mazda5 premiering with the same more economical MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine.
The all-new Mazda5 sees its engine line-up completed with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel that delivers high torque driving fun coupled to low daily operating costs. The new engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission and needs about 15 per cent less fuel per 100km, and produces 13 per cent less CO2 than the 2.0-litre diesel engine it replaces. The powertrain, high practicality, and room for up to seven makes the all-new Mazda5 a family-friendly vehicle.
Mazda2 facelift
Now the Mazda2 facelift has gone on sale here featuring updates that will strengthen its position in the supermini sector.
“The Mazda2 was our most successful model during last year’s scrappage scheme as many Mazda customers looked to downsize without compromising on safety, equipment levels, or driving dynamics,” commented Michael Howe, sales director, Mazda Motor Ireland. “Enhancements to the 2011 Mazda2 range delivering significant improvements to interior comfort, ride quality, handling, and refinement look set to strengthen this position further.”
Outside, the upgraded Mazda2 carries forward the award winning design concept while blending the brand’s ‘family face’ with a larger five-point grille and larger Mazda badge to harmonise the Mazda2 with the whole product line-up. Plus the Mazda2 features newly designed front fog lamp bezels and wheels which create a stronger sense of quality and sportiness.
Inside, Mazda say there is a higher quality feel throughout the cabin. Included is a newly designed instrument panel, new seat patterns and seat fabric colours, meter panel with blackout finish dials and chrome rings, while the centre stack is finished in piano black.
Ride comfort over imperfect roads has been improved thanks to a changes to the front suspension geometry, softer mountings for the rear trailing arms, and re-tuned rear dampers.
The 1.3-litre petrol engine is fun to drive, and it is also lighter on the pocket. All Mazda2 models fall into road tax band A (€104 ) as CO2 emissions have been reduced to 119g. Fuel economy has also been improved, delivering 55mpg for a combined cycle.
Standard equipment levels have been enhanced. And the next trim level up, the mid grade Sensu model costs €1,000 more. Equipment includes 15” alloys, air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, leather trimmed steering and gear knob, electric/heated/foldable door mirrors, front and rear roof airbags, and front side airbags.
The top of the range Sport model features 16” alloys, rear spoiler, side skirts, front fog lights, climate control, and interior trim upgrade, for only an additional €600 over the Sensu model.
Mazda reminds us that customers can save up to €3,000 with scrappage on the new Mazda2. Scrappage prices start from €11,895*.
